The airline will also begin a new Dundee-Belfast City route in September.

The London City service sees six flights per week, stepping up to a double daily in August, with Belfast City having a planned two flights per week – all using a 48-seat ATR42 turboprop aircraft. Seats are now on sale for both routes.

All flights will be operated under the “Safe Steps to Healthy Flying” protocols which Loganair recently announced - becoming the first UK airline to set out detailed plans on how customer safety will be attained and maintained whilst COVID-19 is present.  Loganair’s initiatives mirror those later announced by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Kay Ryan, Loganair chief commercial officer, speaking about the London City route, said: “There are real benefits for our customers in this move to fly directly into the UK’s capital, not least being the reduced travel time to the heart of the city, and we will be delighted to get this route up and running.  London City Airport is only 10 minutes from Canary Wharf and 30 minutes from Central London, making it ideal for both business and leisure travellers. It’s a substantial time saving on the Stansted Express journey.”

On the Belfast route, she said: “We are pleased to bring back a Dundee to Belfast service, for which we’re sure there will be strong demand as lockdown eases. Many hundreds of Northern Ireland students traditionally attend Dundee University and there are strong golf ties with famous Open Championship courses at each end of the route at St Andrews and Royal Portrush.

“Today’s announcement of an enhanced London service and a new Belfast link will provide a very significant boost for Dundee Airport, and we’re delighted to be building on Loganair’s long-standing presence at the airport with these exciting developments.”

Councillor Alan Ross, Dundee City Council City Development Committee convener, commented: “This move signals not only confidence in the resumption of aviation services in the country as a whole, but specifically an endorsement of Dundee as a key part of the company’s plans coming out of lockdown.

“Travellers will be able to get from the heart of the UK’s capital for business or pleasure to Dundee in a straightforward, hassle-free way and from September will be able to enjoy a similar opportunity flying from another up and coming tourist destination in Belfast.

“Dundee Airport is part of our important transport infrastructure and as such I am absolutely delighted to see it not only resuming flights to London, but also adding another destination. I hope it is the first of many.”

The Glasgow-based airline has been one of the few to have aircraft in the air during the crisis, continuing to provide essential services throughout on its key lifeline routes to the Scottish islands during April and May.

Speaking generally about Loganair’s plan to increase flying, Kay Ryan said: “With many businesses turning their thoughts to re-starting work after the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK’s regional air connectivity will be more important than ever.

“For the sake of the recovery of the UK economy, we must enable key workers across the oil & gas, construction, service and healthcare sectors to travel swiftly, comfortably and safely throughout the country.  

“As well as providing travel guidance on which basis businesses can plan, we believe our healthy flying protocols will also lend confidence to people looking forward to visiting families and friends once social restrictions permit.”

Loganair’s advice to customers regarding travel safety during the current COVID-19 crisis is available on its website with customers urged to check for regular updates.

• Read all of our articles relating to COVID-19 here.